For anyone seeking the pleasure of authentic old Beijing life, no other place is better than the quiet courtyard inns around the imperial city.
Beijing Joyful Courtyard Hotel
With only four rooms, Beijing Joyful Courtyard Hotel is a genuine courtyard of Old Beijing without undue reconstruction. The hotel is surrounded by numerous scenic spots, including the Houhai Lake, Nanluogu Alley, Gui Street, the Yonghe Temple, which are accessible by walking, as well as Shichahai Bar Street, Mao Zedong Former Beijing Hutong Residence, and the Beihai Park. It’s really a great place to taste Beijing flavor.
Walnut Tree Courtyard Peking
Walnut Tree Courtyard Peking is famous for a walnut tree at the center of the yard. The courtyard is located on Dongwanghutong, and adjoins Nanluogu Alley, the Houhai Lake, the YongheTemple, and Gui Street. Enter the hutong from Jiaodaokou East Avenue, walk about 30-40 meters and you will arrive at the hotel. Here you can cook yourself in a large, shared kitchen. Or you can enjoy the delicious Beijing food offered by the host, which is welcomed among lodgers.
Xiao Yuan Alley Courtyard Hotel
Sitting on Lishihutong of Dongcheng District, Xiao Yuan Alley Courtyard Hotel is close to Wangfujing and Di'anmen. You can get there by taking Subway Line 2, 5, and 6. With the original appearance of Beijing courtyard being well-preserved, the hotel bears an intense Beijing flavor. Many foreign people have registered as members. You can find a rich variety of food around the hotel, such as snacks on Wangfujing and roast Beijing duck of Quanjude. You can walk back after eating.
Beijing Yue Bin Ge Courtyard Hotel
The quaint courtyard sits on Mianhua hutong, Huguosi Street, Ping'an Li, Xicheng District, and is close to Subway Line 4 Ping'an Li Station. You can walk to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Prince Gong Mansion, Shichahai, the Houhai Lake, and Xidan. There is a little garden at the center of the yard, where the host grows flowers and keeps birds. You will find a lovely parrot which can say “hello”.
